CA2643313C - Roller pad printer - Google Patents
Roller pad printer Download PDFInfo
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- CA2643313C CA2643313C CA2643313A CA2643313A CA2643313C CA 2643313 C CA2643313 C CA 2643313C CA 2643313 A CA2643313 A CA 2643313A CA 2643313 A CA2643313 A CA 2643313A CA 2643313 C CA2643313 C CA 2643313C
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- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000005034 decoration Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000007649 pad printing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003466 anti-cipated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005530 etching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000935 solvent evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
A roller pad printer for printing on an associated object includes a frame, a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame for receiving and a resilient roller pad operably mount to the frame for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliché, to receive ink transferred from the cliché. The roller pad is adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction, to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
(0001] ROLLER PAD PRINTER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(0001] ROLLER PAD PRINTER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(0002] The present invention relates to pad printers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a roller or roll-on pad printing system.
(0003] Pad printing systems are used to apply high quality print, e.g.
indicia. Pad printing systems use a deformable pad which receives ink, transferred as an image, from a cliche plate. The plate has an etching or engraving of the indicia formed therein. The image is transferred from the pad to the item into which the indicia is applied.
indicia. Pad printing systems use a deformable pad which receives ink, transferred as an image, from a cliche plate. The plate has an etching or engraving of the indicia formed therein. The image is transferred from the pad to the item into which the indicia is applied.
(0004] There are two principal types of pad printers: standard pad printers that use a flat printing plate cast called a cliche, and rotary pad printers that use a drum shaped cliche. In the standard pad printer, a flat cliche plate has the image to be printed etched into the plate. Ink is applied to (and wiped from) the cliche, and the pad is brought into contact with, e.g., pressed into, the cliche until the ink is transferred onto the pad. The pad is then brought into contact with the item to transfer the print onto the item.
Both the inking motion (transferring ink from the cliche to' the pad) and the printing motion (transferring ink or decoration from the pad to the item) are linear motions.
Both the inking motion (transferring ink from the cliche to' the pad) and the printing motion (transferring ink or decoration from the pad to the item) are linear motions.
(0005] The rotary pad printer uses a drum-shaped cliche to present ink to a synchronized, counter rotating cylindrical roller pad to transfer ink from the cliche to the pad roll. The roller pad is then moved across the item surface to transfer the ink/decoration to the item.
(0006] While both of these methods function very well for printing or decorating certain items or types of items, they do have their drawbacks. For example, traditional (linear motion) pad printing is not effective when printing large areas of ink or when printing images that are very long.
[0007] The rotary printer is large and can be costly to manufacture and operate, for example, to manufacture the rotating and counter rotating drum arrangements and the drum-shaped cliche. In addition, rotary printers operate using an `open ink well', which exposes the ink to atmosphere, resulting in more rapid viscosity change due to solvent evaporation, and increased opportunity for ink contamination.
Moreover, rotary printers operate on a continuous basis, which is not always a cost effective and efficient manner of operation.
Moreover, rotary printers operate on a continuous basis, which is not always a cost effective and efficient manner of operation.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a printing system that provides the flexibility of a rotary printer with the ease of use and design of a traditional linear motion pad printer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A roller pad printer is configured to print on an associated object and includes a frame, a flat cliche operably mounted to the frame and a resilient roller pad operably mounted to the frame for rolling contact with the cliche.
[0010] The printer is especially useful for printing long or large areas on the item or object to be printed. The roller pad engages the cliches at a first location and in a first direction along the cliche, to receive ink transferred from the cliche. The roller pad is adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object. In one embodiment the first and second directions are parallel to each other. The first and second directions can, however, be other than parallel to one another.
[0011] The printer includes an ink supply, preferably having an ink cup with a wiper blade on the ink cup to wipe excess ink from the cliche.
[0012] In a present printer a carriage roll assembly is configured to laterally move the roller pad between the first and second locations, between the cliche and the object and to maintain the orientation of the roller axis stationary so that the first and second directions are parallel. The assembly can also be configured to rotate the roller axis to change the first and second direction so that they are not parallel to one another.
[00131 The printer can include a motor operably connected to the roller pad to rotate the roller pad and control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliche or the object. Alternately the roller pad can be an idler roller. The printer can be configured as part of a robotic assembly.
[00141 A method of printing includes the steps of inking a flat cliche, engaging a roller pad and the flat cliche against one another, moving linearly in an inking direction, at a first location, one or both of the roller pad and the cliche relative to each other to transfer at least a portion of the ink from the cliche to the roller pad, moving the roller pad transversely to the inking direction to a position for engaging the object at the area to be printed and moving linearly, in a printing direction, one or both of the roller pad and the object relative to the other to transfer at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad onto the object to be printed to print the area.
(0015) The method can include moving an ink cup over the cliche to deposit ink on the cliche.
[00161 One present method includes the step of indexing the roller pad to control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliche. The position of the roller pad can be monitored to control the location of the roller pad relative to an etched portion in the cliche and a location of the roller pad relative to the area to be printed.
[00171 The roller pad can be returned to an initial position after transfer of the at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad to the object.
[0017A] An aspect of the present invention provides for a roller pad printer for printing on an associated object, including a frame; a flat cliche operably mounted to the frame, the cliche adapted to receive ink thereon; a resilient roller pad operably mount to the frame for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliche, to receive ink transferred from the cliche, the roller pad adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object. The first and second directions are parallel to one another. The first and second locations are different and spaced apart from one another.
[0017B] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the roller pad printer includes an ink supply; a carriage roll assembly configured to laterally move the roller pad between the first and second locations, between the cliche and the object and a motor operably connected to the roller pad to rotate the roller pad and control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliche or the object. A
further embodiment provides for the roller pad being an idler roller.
[0017C] Another aspect of the present invention provides for a device for transferring print onto an associated object, including a frame; an arm operably mounted to the frame; a flat cliche operably mounted to the frame, the cliche adapted to receive ink thereon; a resilient roller pad operably mount to the arm and movable relative to the cliche for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliche, to receive ink transferred from the cliche, the roller pad adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object. The first and second directions are parallel to one another. The first and second locations are different and spaced apart from one another.
[0017D] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the device for transferring print having an ink supply with an ink cup; a carriage roll assembly configured are part of the arm, the carriage roll assembly configured to laterally move the roller pad between the first and second locations, between the cliche and the object;
a motor operably connected to the roller pad to rotate the roller pad and control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliche or the object.
[0017E] Another aspect of the present method for printing an area on an object, the method includes the steps of: inking a flat cliche; engaging a roller pad and the flat cliche against one another; moving linearly in an inking direction, at a first location, at least one of the roller pad and the cliche relative to the other such that at least a portion of the ink is transferred from the cliche to the roller pad;
moving the roller pad transversely to the inking direction to a position for engaging the object at the 3a area to be printed; moving linearly, in a printing direction, at least one of the roller pad and the object relative to the other, the printing direction being parallel to the inking direction; and transferring at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad onto the object to be printed to print the area.
[0017F] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the method of printing including the steps of: moving an ink cup over the flat cliche to deposit ink on the cliche; indexing the roller pad to control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the flat cliche; monitoring the position-of the roller pad to control the location of the roller pad relative to an etched portion in the flat cliche and a location of the roller pad relative to the area to be printed; and including the step of returning the roller pad to an initial position after transfer of the at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad to the object.
[00181 These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the roller pad printer embodying the principles of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the roller pad printer;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view of the roller pad printer; and [0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the roller pad printer.
3b DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
[0025] It should be understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, "Detailed Description Of The Invention", relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.
[0026] Referring now to the figures and briefly to FIGS. I and 2, there is shown a roller pad printer 10 embodying the principles of the present invention. The printer 10 is configured to print high quality indicia onto relatively long objects 0 or to print large (and long) images onto objects O. The printer 10 includes a frame 12 onto which the various components are mounted. A cliche 14 is flat and rests on a platform 15 and a printing roller pad 16 is a cylindrical roll-type pad.
[0027] : In FIG. 3, the cliche 14 is fed from an ink supply 18. The ink is supplied to the cliche 14 using apparatus and methods that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. In one known configuration, an ink cup 20 is conveyed over the cliche 14 and ink is deposited into the etched regions in the cliche 14. Excess ink is wiped from the cliche 14, typically by a wiper blade 22 that is formed as part of or integral with the ink cup 20. Ink is supplied to the ink cup 20 by the ink supply system 18.
[0028] In FIG. 4, the ink is picked up from the cliche 14 and transferred onto the roller pad 16, by compressiig the roller pad 16 and the cliche 14 against one another and moving the two relativJ to one another. In a present printer 10, the roller pad 16 is carried on a carriage 24 (a carriage roll assembly) such that the carriage 24 is moved (as indicated by the arrow at 26), longitudinally along the cliche 14, or rolled across the flat cliche 14 to pick up ink or transfer ink onto the pad of the roller pad 16. It will be appreciated that contact between and the relative motions of the roller pad 16 and the cliche 14 must be carried out in a controlled manner so that the location of the image (ink) transferred onto the pad is accurately controlled for subsequent transfer onto the object 0.
[00291 The roller pad 16 can be a driven element. In such an arrangement, the drive includes a motor 28 that rotates the roller pad 16 in an indexed manner so as to accurately control the angular position of the roller pad 16 relative to the cliche 14. This type of arrangement can be used, for example, when printing on "relief' type raised surfaces that may have insufficient contact area with the roller pad to effectively rotate the roller pad during print operation. Alternately, the roller pad 16 can be non-driven roller (e.g., an idler roll), and can be rotated by friction (between the roller pad 16 and the cliche 14) and movement of the carriage 24 relative to the stationary cliche 14.
[00301 The carriage 24 is then moved transversely (as indicated by the arrow at 30) from over the cliche 14 to a position over the item or object 0 to be printed/decorated. In FIG. 3, the carriage 24 is shown in phantom in a second position for illustration only; those skilled in the art will appreciate there is only one carriage/roller 24/16 assembly in the machine 10 and which is slidably movable.
[00311 The roller pad 16 is then brought into contact with the item 0 onto which the ink or decoration is to be transferred, and the two are moved relative to one another. Again, in the present printer, the carriage 24 is moved relative to the item 0 (also as indicated by the arrow at 26) and as such, the pad 17 of the roller pad 16 is rolled across the surface of the item 0, and the item 0 is decorated.
[00321 The present system 10 has been found to be advantageous when printing large areas of ink (decoration) or when printing long decorations onto relatively flat items 0. The present system 10 allows for these printing scenarios by using a novel combination of traditional linear motion pad printers and the side-to-side printing of rotary pad printers. By using this novel hybrid arrangement, images can be printed on an item from one side to the other side, across the item, rather than the center-out distribution of traditional pad printing.
[0033] Importantly, the present roller pad printer 10 allows the use of a flat cliche 14 (akin to traditional pad printing techniques) and in some instances, will allow modification of traditional pad printers (e.g., printing machines) with a roller pad for more flexibility in the types and sizes of decorations that can be printed and with more flexibility in the types and sizes of items onto which printing can be applied.
Moreover, the present pad printer 10 can be used to apply printing on a smaller and/or a batch basis rather than on a continuous basis, thus providing significantly more flexibility than known rotary printing systems.
[0034] Although the present roller pad 16 is described as being a driven element, as discussed above, the roller pad can be a non-driven or idler roller pad that is rotated by the action of friction between the moving roller pad 16 and relatively stationary cliche 14 or item 0. In such an arrangement, it may be desirable to monitor the position of the roller pad 16 (angular as well as linear) to determine/monitor/control the location of the roller pad 16 relative to the decoration etched in the cliche and/or the location of the roller pad relative to the item. The illustrated printer 10 is of the type that uses a non-driven roller pad when printing, but is driven (by the motor 28) to return the roller pad to its initial position each time it is "reset" to begin a new cycle. It has also been found to be desirable to commence each inking and printing cycle with the roller pad 16 in the same angular position so that the ink pattern is transferred onto the same location on the roller pad 16.
[0035] It is also anticipated that printer 10 can be used to print cylindrical or round parts, by using a motor driven pad roll, and/or motor driven part fixture to rotate the part under the pad and apply the image. This would be advantageous when printing low volumes of parts that do not justify a fully automated continuous motion style rotary pad printer, or when printing several different sizes and shapes of parts, which are difficult to accommodate in rotary pad printer part transfer systems, but easily accommodated with job specific tooling in traditional pad printing.
[0036] It will also be appreciated that although the present printer 10 is described as a traditional printer, the printer, the is the printing function, can be integrated with or within another device, such as a robotic system. For example, the carriage 24 can be integrated into the arm of a robot, and that such modifications, changes, alterations and the like are within the scope and spirit of the present printing system and are to be construed as such.
[00371 In the -disclosure, the words "a" or "an" are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.
[0038] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modification and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
[00131 The printer can include a motor operably connected to the roller pad to rotate the roller pad and control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliche or the object. Alternately the roller pad can be an idler roller. The printer can be configured as part of a robotic assembly.
[00141 A method of printing includes the steps of inking a flat cliche, engaging a roller pad and the flat cliche against one another, moving linearly in an inking direction, at a first location, one or both of the roller pad and the cliche relative to each other to transfer at least a portion of the ink from the cliche to the roller pad, moving the roller pad transversely to the inking direction to a position for engaging the object at the area to be printed and moving linearly, in a printing direction, one or both of the roller pad and the object relative to the other to transfer at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad onto the object to be printed to print the area.
(0015) The method can include moving an ink cup over the cliche to deposit ink on the cliche.
[00161 One present method includes the step of indexing the roller pad to control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliche. The position of the roller pad can be monitored to control the location of the roller pad relative to an etched portion in the cliche and a location of the roller pad relative to the area to be printed.
[00171 The roller pad can be returned to an initial position after transfer of the at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad to the object.
[0017A] An aspect of the present invention provides for a roller pad printer for printing on an associated object, including a frame; a flat cliche operably mounted to the frame, the cliche adapted to receive ink thereon; a resilient roller pad operably mount to the frame for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliche, to receive ink transferred from the cliche, the roller pad adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object. The first and second directions are parallel to one another. The first and second locations are different and spaced apart from one another.
[0017B] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the roller pad printer includes an ink supply; a carriage roll assembly configured to laterally move the roller pad between the first and second locations, between the cliche and the object and a motor operably connected to the roller pad to rotate the roller pad and control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliche or the object. A
further embodiment provides for the roller pad being an idler roller.
[0017C] Another aspect of the present invention provides for a device for transferring print onto an associated object, including a frame; an arm operably mounted to the frame; a flat cliche operably mounted to the frame, the cliche adapted to receive ink thereon; a resilient roller pad operably mount to the arm and movable relative to the cliche for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliche, to receive ink transferred from the cliche, the roller pad adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object. The first and second directions are parallel to one another. The first and second locations are different and spaced apart from one another.
[0017D] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the device for transferring print having an ink supply with an ink cup; a carriage roll assembly configured are part of the arm, the carriage roll assembly configured to laterally move the roller pad between the first and second locations, between the cliche and the object;
a motor operably connected to the roller pad to rotate the roller pad and control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliche or the object.
[0017E] Another aspect of the present method for printing an area on an object, the method includes the steps of: inking a flat cliche; engaging a roller pad and the flat cliche against one another; moving linearly in an inking direction, at a first location, at least one of the roller pad and the cliche relative to the other such that at least a portion of the ink is transferred from the cliche to the roller pad;
moving the roller pad transversely to the inking direction to a position for engaging the object at the 3a area to be printed; moving linearly, in a printing direction, at least one of the roller pad and the object relative to the other, the printing direction being parallel to the inking direction; and transferring at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad onto the object to be printed to print the area.
[0017F] An embodiment of the present invention provides for the method of printing including the steps of: moving an ink cup over the flat cliche to deposit ink on the cliche; indexing the roller pad to control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the flat cliche; monitoring the position-of the roller pad to control the location of the roller pad relative to an etched portion in the flat cliche and a location of the roller pad relative to the area to be printed; and including the step of returning the roller pad to an initial position after transfer of the at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad to the object.
[00181 These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the roller pad printer embodying the principles of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the roller pad printer;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view of the roller pad printer; and [0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the roller pad printer.
3b DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
[0025] It should be understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, "Detailed Description Of The Invention", relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.
[0026] Referring now to the figures and briefly to FIGS. I and 2, there is shown a roller pad printer 10 embodying the principles of the present invention. The printer 10 is configured to print high quality indicia onto relatively long objects 0 or to print large (and long) images onto objects O. The printer 10 includes a frame 12 onto which the various components are mounted. A cliche 14 is flat and rests on a platform 15 and a printing roller pad 16 is a cylindrical roll-type pad.
[0027] : In FIG. 3, the cliche 14 is fed from an ink supply 18. The ink is supplied to the cliche 14 using apparatus and methods that will be recognized by those skilled in the art. In one known configuration, an ink cup 20 is conveyed over the cliche 14 and ink is deposited into the etched regions in the cliche 14. Excess ink is wiped from the cliche 14, typically by a wiper blade 22 that is formed as part of or integral with the ink cup 20. Ink is supplied to the ink cup 20 by the ink supply system 18.
[0028] In FIG. 4, the ink is picked up from the cliche 14 and transferred onto the roller pad 16, by compressiig the roller pad 16 and the cliche 14 against one another and moving the two relativJ to one another. In a present printer 10, the roller pad 16 is carried on a carriage 24 (a carriage roll assembly) such that the carriage 24 is moved (as indicated by the arrow at 26), longitudinally along the cliche 14, or rolled across the flat cliche 14 to pick up ink or transfer ink onto the pad of the roller pad 16. It will be appreciated that contact between and the relative motions of the roller pad 16 and the cliche 14 must be carried out in a controlled manner so that the location of the image (ink) transferred onto the pad is accurately controlled for subsequent transfer onto the object 0.
[00291 The roller pad 16 can be a driven element. In such an arrangement, the drive includes a motor 28 that rotates the roller pad 16 in an indexed manner so as to accurately control the angular position of the roller pad 16 relative to the cliche 14. This type of arrangement can be used, for example, when printing on "relief' type raised surfaces that may have insufficient contact area with the roller pad to effectively rotate the roller pad during print operation. Alternately, the roller pad 16 can be non-driven roller (e.g., an idler roll), and can be rotated by friction (between the roller pad 16 and the cliche 14) and movement of the carriage 24 relative to the stationary cliche 14.
[00301 The carriage 24 is then moved transversely (as indicated by the arrow at 30) from over the cliche 14 to a position over the item or object 0 to be printed/decorated. In FIG. 3, the carriage 24 is shown in phantom in a second position for illustration only; those skilled in the art will appreciate there is only one carriage/roller 24/16 assembly in the machine 10 and which is slidably movable.
[00311 The roller pad 16 is then brought into contact with the item 0 onto which the ink or decoration is to be transferred, and the two are moved relative to one another. Again, in the present printer, the carriage 24 is moved relative to the item 0 (also as indicated by the arrow at 26) and as such, the pad 17 of the roller pad 16 is rolled across the surface of the item 0, and the item 0 is decorated.
[00321 The present system 10 has been found to be advantageous when printing large areas of ink (decoration) or when printing long decorations onto relatively flat items 0. The present system 10 allows for these printing scenarios by using a novel combination of traditional linear motion pad printers and the side-to-side printing of rotary pad printers. By using this novel hybrid arrangement, images can be printed on an item from one side to the other side, across the item, rather than the center-out distribution of traditional pad printing.
[0033] Importantly, the present roller pad printer 10 allows the use of a flat cliche 14 (akin to traditional pad printing techniques) and in some instances, will allow modification of traditional pad printers (e.g., printing machines) with a roller pad for more flexibility in the types and sizes of decorations that can be printed and with more flexibility in the types and sizes of items onto which printing can be applied.
Moreover, the present pad printer 10 can be used to apply printing on a smaller and/or a batch basis rather than on a continuous basis, thus providing significantly more flexibility than known rotary printing systems.
[0034] Although the present roller pad 16 is described as being a driven element, as discussed above, the roller pad can be a non-driven or idler roller pad that is rotated by the action of friction between the moving roller pad 16 and relatively stationary cliche 14 or item 0. In such an arrangement, it may be desirable to monitor the position of the roller pad 16 (angular as well as linear) to determine/monitor/control the location of the roller pad 16 relative to the decoration etched in the cliche and/or the location of the roller pad relative to the item. The illustrated printer 10 is of the type that uses a non-driven roller pad when printing, but is driven (by the motor 28) to return the roller pad to its initial position each time it is "reset" to begin a new cycle. It has also been found to be desirable to commence each inking and printing cycle with the roller pad 16 in the same angular position so that the ink pattern is transferred onto the same location on the roller pad 16.
[0035] It is also anticipated that printer 10 can be used to print cylindrical or round parts, by using a motor driven pad roll, and/or motor driven part fixture to rotate the part under the pad and apply the image. This would be advantageous when printing low volumes of parts that do not justify a fully automated continuous motion style rotary pad printer, or when printing several different sizes and shapes of parts, which are difficult to accommodate in rotary pad printer part transfer systems, but easily accommodated with job specific tooling in traditional pad printing.
[0036] It will also be appreciated that although the present printer 10 is described as a traditional printer, the printer, the is the printing function, can be integrated with or within another device, such as a robotic system. For example, the carriage 24 can be integrated into the arm of a robot, and that such modifications, changes, alterations and the like are within the scope and spirit of the present printing system and are to be construed as such.
[00371 In the -disclosure, the words "a" or "an" are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.
[0038] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modification and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.
Claims (16)
1. A roller pad printer for printing on an associated object, comprising:
a frame;
a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame, the cliché adapted to receive ink thereon;
a resilient roller pad operably mount to the frame for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliché, to receive ink transferred from the cliché, the roller pad adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object, wherein the first and second directions are parallel to one another and wherein the first and second locations are different and spaced apart from one another.
a frame;
a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame, the cliché adapted to receive ink thereon;
a resilient roller pad operably mount to the frame for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliché, to receive ink transferred from the cliché, the roller pad adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object, wherein the first and second directions are parallel to one another and wherein the first and second locations are different and spaced apart from one another.
2. The roller pad printer in accordance with claim 1, including an ink supply.
3. The roller pad printer in accordance with claim 2, wherein the ink supply includes an ink cup.
4. The roller pad printer in accordance with claim 3, wherein the ink cup includes a wiper blade.
5. The roller pad printer in accordance with claim 1, including a carriage roll assembly configured to laterally move the roller pad between the first and second locations, between the cliché and the object.
6. The roller pad printer in accordance with claim 1, including a motor operably connected to the roller pad to rotate the roller pad and control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliché or the object.
7. The roller pad printer in accordance with claim 1 wherein the roller pad is an idler roller.
8 8. A device for transferring print onto an associated object, comprising:
a frame;
an arm operably mounted to the frame;
a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame, the cliché adapted to receive ink thereon;
a resilient roller pad operably mount to the arm and movable relative to the cliché for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliché, to receive ink transferred from the cliché, the roller pad adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object, wherein the first and second directions are parallel to one another and wherein the first and second locations are different and spaced apart from one another.
a frame;
an arm operably mounted to the frame;
a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame, the cliché adapted to receive ink thereon;
a resilient roller pad operably mount to the arm and movable relative to the cliché for rolling contact, at a first location and in a first direction along the cliché, to receive ink transferred from the cliché, the roller pad adapted for rolling contact with the object, at a second location and in a second direction to transfer the ink from the roller pad to the object, wherein the first and second directions are parallel to one another and wherein the first and second locations are different and spaced apart from one another.
9. The device for transferring print in accordance with claim 8 including an ink supply having an ink cup.
10. The device for transferring print in accordance with claim 8 including a carriage roll assembly configured are part of the arm, the carriage roll assembly configured to laterally move the roller pad between the first and second locations, between the cliché and the object.
11. The device for transferring print in accordance with claim 8 including a motor operably connected to the roller pad to rotate the roller pad and control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the cliché or the object.
12. A method for printing an area on an object, the method comprising the steps of:
inking a flat cliché;
engaging a roller pad and the flat cliché against one another;
moving linearly in an inking direction, at a first location, at least one of the roller pad and the cliché relative to the other such that at least a portion of the ink is transferred from the cliché to the roller pad;
moving the roller pad transversely to the inking direction to a position for engaging the object at the area to be printed;
moving linearly, in a printing direction, at least one of the roller pad and the object relative to the other, the printing direction being parallel to the inking direction;
and transferring at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad onto the object to be printed to print the area.
inking a flat cliché;
engaging a roller pad and the flat cliché against one another;
moving linearly in an inking direction, at a first location, at least one of the roller pad and the cliché relative to the other such that at least a portion of the ink is transferred from the cliché to the roller pad;
moving the roller pad transversely to the inking direction to a position for engaging the object at the area to be printed;
moving linearly, in a printing direction, at least one of the roller pad and the object relative to the other, the printing direction being parallel to the inking direction;
and transferring at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad onto the object to be printed to print the area.
13. The method of printing in accordance with claim 12 including the step of moving an ink cup over the flat cliché to deposit ink on the cliché.
14. The method of printing in accordance with claim 12 including the step of indexing the roller pad to control an angular position of the roller pad relative to the flat cliché.
15. The method of printing in accordance with claim 12 including the step of monitoring the position of the roller pad to control the location of the roller pad relative to an etched portion in the flat cliché and a location of the roller pad relative to the area to be printed.
16. The method of printing in accordance with claim 12 including the step of returning the roller pad to an initial position after transfer of the at least a portion of the ink from the roller pad to the object.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US98690007P | 2007-11-09 | 2007-11-09 | |
| US60/986,900 | 2007-11-09 | ||
| US12/265,051 | 2008-11-05 | ||
| US12/265,051 US8074569B2 (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2008-11-05 | Roller pad printer and method for printing |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2643313A1 CA2643313A1 (en) | 2009-05-09 |
| CA2643313C true CA2643313C (en) | 2012-05-22 |
Family
ID=40620905
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2643313A Active CA2643313C (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2008-11-07 | Roller pad printer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2643313C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN108297536B (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2024-05-07 | 东莞市铧美电子有限公司 | Three-sided automatic ink cup type pad printing machine |
-
2008
- 2008-11-07 CA CA2643313A patent/CA2643313C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2643313A1 (en) | 2009-05-09 |
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